One of Indiana’s Last Interurban Trains Lives Again | Union Traction Co. of Indiana No. 429

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A century ago, Indiana's high-speed interurban electric trains empowered Hoosiers to pursue an education, expand economic opportunity, visit loved ones, quickly ship perishable goods - and, electrify rural communities. For the first time since 1940, more than 83 years later, interurban no. 429 lives again as the only original Indiana interurban operational within the state.

Those who last rode and operated the car lived in an era prior to the reign of television, interstate highways, smartphones and the internet. Serving as a gravel pit office for nearly 25 years, stripped of all components, followed by more than 50 years in storage and narrowly escaping the fate of being lost forever, no. 429 again gracing rails within the Hoosier State is cause for celebration.

This accomplishment is thanks in no small part to two Heritage Support Grants provided by the Indiana Historical Society and made possible by Lilly Endowment, Inc., more than 3,500 volunteer hours and nearly $100,000 in total contributions.

We're excited to share a glimpse of everyday life in early Indiana through experiencing one of these machines.

So, what does it take to bring an antique machine the size of a house back to life? Climb aboard to find out.

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